How to Find a 1975 No-S Proof Roosevelt Dime

The 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dime is one of the most valuable modern U.S. coin errors, with only two examples known to exist. A search for this exact coin returning nothing is the expected outcome, not a search problem.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, and lets you save a wishlist alert for a coin that, realistically, almost never changes hands.

Design and history

The Roosevelt dime has carried John R. Sinnock’s original 1946 design since its debut. Sinnock designed both faces: his initials, JS, appear at the truncation of Roosevelt’s neck on the obverse, and the reverse combines a torch of liberty with an olive branch for peace and an oak branch for strength and independence. Those initials are part of the design—not a secret mint mark or later addition.

The 1975 issue belongs to the clad era before Philadelphia added a P mint mark to its circulation dimes. Standard composition is copper-nickel clad, with a normal weight of 2.27 grams. Since 1968, every proof coin struck for U.S. proof sets has been produced at the San Francisco Mint and should carry a small “S” mint mark. The master dies used to strike those coins, however, were prepared at the Philadelphia Mint, including the punching of the “S” mint mark into each working die before it was shipped west.

Errors and varieties to know

On rare occasions between 1968 and 1990, a die left Philadelphia without that mint mark ever having been added, and coins struck from it entered proof sets with no mint mark at all—a genuine Mint error, not a private alteration. This No-S proof phenomenon occurred across several dates and denominations, but the 1975 dime is by far the most famous and valuable example.

Only two 1975 No-S proof dimes are known, according to PCGS. The first surfaced in 1977, discovered inside a 1975-S proof set. The second wasn’t found until seven years later and has been held by the same Ohio family since 1978, where it became known among specialists as the “Ruth E.” discovery coin.

Because the error is so rare and instantly recognizable—the entire premise is the simple absence of a mint mark that should be there—this coin has become one of the most valuable errors in the modern U.S. proof series. One example sold for $456,000 at auction in 2019; another appearance in October 2024 set a new record at $506,250.

Beyond the No-S proof, no other major error or variety is singled out for 1975 Roosevelt dimes in the principal PCGS and NGC series references.

How to examine a 1975 Roosevelt dime

With only two known examples, both already documented and tracked by specialists, identifying a genuine example is straightforward in concept but demands serious verification in practice.

Confirm there is genuinely no mint mark

Look at the obverse, above the date, where the “S” mint mark should appear on a 1975 San Francisco proof dime. On a genuine No-S error, that space is smooth and blank—not worn, not obscured, simply never struck.

Confirm it’s a proof strike, not a circulation-strike Philadelphia dime

Regular 1975 Philadelphia dimes also carry no mint mark, since Philadelphia coins traditionally went unmarked—but those are ordinary circulation-strike coins worth face value or a small premium at most. The valuable error is specifically a proof coin, identifiable by its mirrored fields, sharp strike, and presence (or claimed prior presence) in a 1975-S proof set. Confusing an ordinary Philadelphia dime with the proof error is the single most common mistake to guard against.

Recognize that every genuine example is already accounted for

With only two known coins, both individually documented, a listing claiming to offer an undiscovered third example calls for extraordinary scrutiny and independent authentication through a major grading service before being taken seriously.

Buying considerations

This is not a coin found through routine dealer search

Given that only two examples are known and both have well-documented histories, a genuine 1975 No-S proof dime reaching the market is significant numismatic news covered by the specialist trade press, not a routine listing.

Certification is essential

Only consider a PCGS- or NGC-certified example, and verify the certification number directly through the grading service’s website. Given the coin’s fame and the ease of confusing it with an ordinary unmarked Philadelphia dime, certification from a major service is the only reliable way to confirm you’re looking at the genuine error.

If you’re chasing No-S proof errors generally

The 1975 No-S dime is part of a broader family of No-S proof errors that occurred on various denominations between 1968 and 1990. Some of those errors—on other dates and denominations—are considerably more available and affordable than the 1975 dime, which stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable of the group.

Suggested search terms and filters

Because a genuine example is unlikely to appear in routine inventory, consider:

• “1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime” (to catch any rare genuine listing)
• “No S proof error” more broadly (for other, more available No-S proof errors from different years)

Save “1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime” to your wishlist to be notified on the rare chance a genuine listing appears.

Availability and pricing notes

With only two known examples, the 1975 No-S proof dime essentially never reaches ordinary dealer inventory. Recorded sales include $456,000 in 2019 and a record $506,250 in October 2024. Regular 1975-S proof dimes, with their mint mark correctly present, are common and inexpensive by comparison.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that any listing represents a genuine example of a rare Mint error. For a coin at this level, independent verification through a major grading service is essential before treating any offer as credible.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime” to check current dealer inventory.
2. Expect no matches in nearly all cases. With only two known examples, both already documented, this coin does not appear in routine dealer inventory.
3. Add it to your wishlist anyway. You’ll be notified if participating dealer inventory ever includes a matching listing.
4. Consider regular 1975-S proof dimes instead. Searching “1975-S proof Roosevelt dime” will connect you with the common, correctly mint-marked version of this coin at ordinary prices.

Frequently asked questions

How many 1975 No-S proof Roosevelt dimes exist?

Only two: one discovered in 1977, the other found in 1984 and held by the same family since 1978.

How did a proof coin end up with no mint mark?

The dies used to strike San Francisco proof coins were prepared at the Philadelphia Mint, including punching in the “S” mint mark. On rare occasions between 1968 and 1990, a die was shipped and used without that mint mark ever having been added, producing a genuine, unintentional Mint error.

How is this different from an ordinary 1975 dime with no mint mark?

Regular-issue 1975 Philadelphia dimes also lack a mint mark and are common, low-value coins. The valuable error is specifically a proof strike—identifiable by its mirrored fields and sharp detail—that should have been struck at San Francisco with an “S.”

What has a 1975 No-S proof dime sold for?

$456,000 at auction in 2019, and a record $506,250 in October 2024.

How can I tell if a listed 1975 No-S dime is genuine?

Only a PCGS- or NGC-certified example, verified directly against the grading service’s records, should be considered credible—especially given how easily this error can be confused with an ordinary unmarked Philadelphia dime.

Are there other No-S proof dime errors from different years?

Yes. Similar No-S proof errors occurred on various denominations across several years between 1968 and 1990. Some of those are considerably more available than the 1975 dime, which is among the rarest and most valuable of the group.

Illustrated diagnostic upgrades

The following marker cards consolidate CoinHunt’s researched variety diagnostics into this canonical guide. Each original vector is a diagnostic illustration, not a photograph, and its licensing record remains with the image asset.

1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime

Documented Fact The genuine rarity is a proof dime lacking the S. PCGS reports only two known examples. Ordinary 1975 Philadelphia circulation dimes also have no mintmark and are common. ^{[1] [2]}

Quick Hunt

1. Stop if the coin is an ordinary circulation strike; that is not the rarity.
2. Establish genuine proof manufacture through the strike, rims, fields, and surfaces.
3. Confirm the S is absent from the normal obverse position.
4. Check for tooling or mintmark removal and require professional certification.

Diagnostic illustration — not a photograph.

The Essential Boundary

“No mintmark” does not identify this coin. Philadelphia struck hundreds of millions of normal 1975 circulation dimes without mintmarks. The rare coin was made for a proof set and must display authentic proof fabric.

Authentication Caution

Because of the enormous value and only two confirmed examples, self-attribution is insufficient. Preserve any credible proof candidate unchanged and submit it directly to a leading authentication service.

Image Credit

CoinHunt created this original vector screening diagram because no exact reusable forensic photograph was approved.

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